Press Release: Proposed EPA Budget Cuts Threaten Wisconsin’s Environmental Protections
Wisconsin—The Trump administration’s proposed 2026 budget cuts could severely undermine environmental protections in Wisconsin, risking the loss of crucial federal funding that supports state staff dedicated to maintaining air and water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to cut $4.9 billion from its budget, which would eliminate $55 million in loans for water infrastructure upgrades in the state.
Recent documents indicate that nationwide, nearly $1 billion in federal grants could be wiped out, affecting key programs that manage air quality and water pollution. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has warned that funding cuts could eliminate 91 positions supported by EPA grants, jeopardizing efforts to enforce the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts.
DNR Secretary-designee Karen Hyun emphasized the necessity of federal funding for the agency’s operations, stating that without it, state taxpayers would shoulder the financial burden. Meanwhile, the overall impact on staffing could include the loss of 1,274 federal jobs at the EPA, a level not seen since the mid-1980s.
Despite the grim outlook, the EPA has pledged to maintain funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a crucial program aimed at safeguarding regional waterways. Environmental advocates stress that restoration cannot occur without robust protection measures.
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